MATSUE in western Japan

Matsue , Home to Samurai and Tea Ceremony in Western Japan

The traditional atmosphere of the Edo era is well preserved in Matsue, a castle town. Visiting Matsue Castle and Shiomi Nawate Street might make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

It is because of Lord Matsudaira Fumai’s passion for tea ceremonies that tea culture is prevalent here, and you can enjoy matcha tea and wagashi (Japanese sweets) at many places throughout the city. Along with Kyoto and Kanazawa, Matsue is a well-known producer of wagashi. We bought a box of “Wakakusa,” [Editor2] Lord Matsudaira Fumai’s favorite wagashi, to enjoy with a cup of green tea.

Throughout history, three families of feudal rulers reigned in Matsue from 1600 to 1871: the Horio (1600–1633), the Kyogoku (1634–1637), and the Matsudaira (1638–1871). Before the Edo era, the Amago and Mori clans vied for power over this region from the 15th to the 17th century.

Matsue Castle

Matsue’s biggest tourist attraction is Matsue Castle. We climbed the old wooden stairs and enjoyed an impressive panoramic view of the entire city from the top floor. Although there are many castles around the country, only 12 are original, and among these, only five, including Matsue Castle, are designated as national treasures.

The castle was built in 1611 by Yoshiharu Horio, the founder of the Matsue domain. However, after the Ordinance for Disposal of Castles was promulgated in 1873, most castles across the country were torn down. Matsue Castle was no exception; many parts of the castle had been dismantled. Matsue’s people’s tireless efforts to save it were successful. Because of their hard work, we can now see the castle as it was 400 years ago.

Walking along Shiomi-Nawate Street, you will see former samurai residences, traditional tea ceremony rooms, and Lafcadio Hearn’s former residence. On a sunny day, watching a sightseeing boat glide along the castle moat is pleasant.

This cozy, quiet place is removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a serene glimpse into the tranquil Japanese culture.

Dinner at Minami-kan in Matsue.

Minami-kan is a well-established Ryokan (Japanese-style inn) by Lake Shinju in Matsue. Restaurant Minami offers a wide range of authentic Japanese cuisine. The most famous is the "Taimeshi" dish. We certainly enjoyed the kaiseki course dinner while admiring our beautiful Japanese garden.